Overview

• Australia edged France by five seconds for gold in the mixed team time trial over 41.8 km, with Switzerland third after a mechanical disrupted Marlen Reusser’s run.
• Remco Evenepoel and Marlen Reusser claimed the early individual time-trial titles as elite riders previewed the steep, cobbled Kigali course.
• Thirty-six African nations are represented, with roughly one-third of the more than 700 entrants coming from the continent, especially in junior and U23 fields.
• Rwanda’s team acquired 32 new bikes through preferential deals, yet coaches point to costly maintenance, scarce spare parts and a limited domestic race calendar as key hurdles.
• The event serves as a high-profile showcase for Rwanda, drawing fervent crowds and prompting scrutiny over soft-power ambitions and whether gains will endure beyond the championships.